The Feast: Easter Dining

Peter Cottontail soon will be hopping down the bunny trail, so it’s time to make those Easter celebration plans. If heading out for the holiday sounds appealing, there are several local establishments that have reservations available – and each offers a very different dining experience.

For a classic brunch, City Gate Grille is a real treat with an expansive menu of tempting entrées and sides to sample. From traditional favorites like eggs, French toast and breakfast meats to heartier fare like chicken marsala and chilled seafood, there’s plenty for a wide variety of palates. will serve brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and reservations are required. And, for the little ones, there will be a special appearance by the Easter Bunny from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

It’s no surprise that Heaven on Seven will be serving a brunch on Easter Sunday, because they serve a fabulous brunch every Sunday. No buffet here. Instead, diners order off of the brunch menu and can select from generous portions of French toast, eggs Benedict, a variety of omelets and much more. They also have a menu just for kids that includes chocolate chip pancakes. What an Easter treat that would be! An addition to the Brunch, just for Easter, is the addition of a live piano player from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Brunch is served beginning at 10 a.m. and reservations are recommended.

Perhaps breakfast rather than brunch is more appealing. If so, Mimi’s Café will be serving the hungry holiday crowd on Easter Sunday and offering its very extensive menu. From French-inspired favorites like the asparagus and brie quiche to the taste bud-awakening chipotle breakfast burrito and everything in between, variety won’t disappoint. Although reservations aren’t required, Sunday is a busy breakfast day. Add a holiday to the mix and those who try their luck by not making a reservation might be waiting for a while.

If it won’t feel quite like Easter without, say, an 8 oz. filet mignon or a wedge salad, then Sullivan’s is the place to celebrate the holiday. This “classic American steakhouse” is planning a sumptuous Easter brunch with a variety of mouth-watering entrées. Their special menu includes a double-bone lamb chop, filet hash and eggs or grilled ham, to name just a few. Each entrée comes with a choice of a starter like a Caesar or wedge salad or cinnamon sticky buns with fresh fruit. Kids can choose from mac and cheese, fried shrimp and more with their choice of a spud-based side. Although still has available seatings, they will go fast. Manager Mike Lettiere said, “We will fill up for sure – 100 percent!”

Juicy-O’s, a relative newcomer located on Naperville’s south side, is a nice, casual choice for Easter breakfast. Manager Nick Aposto said that reservations aren’t required, but they are recommended. “Since this is our first year at this location, we’re not sure what the wait times will be,” he explained. When asked what the favorite item on the menu is, Aposto quickly answered, “Our quiche.”

Of course! It’s just not Easter without the eggs.